Peppermint Crunch Truffles

North Carolina-based Red Bird peppermints are an iconic flavor of the holidays. Try these unique treats at your next gathering, and be sure to read about the company's local history and handmade process in Piedmont Candy Company Turns out an NC Tradition.

Ingredients

1 package Oreos

1 cup crushed Red Bird Peppermint Puffs or Sticks

8 oz. cream cheese

¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

1 lb. dark chocolate

Directions

Process Oreos in a food processor until crumbly. Add chunked cream cheese, peppermint extract and ½ cup of the crushed peppermint candies until combined, being careful not to over-process.

Shape into 1-inch balls and place into the freezer until they are cold to the touch and hold together well.

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Coat the balls by placing them in the chocolate and rolling them around with a spoon to cover. Lift the balls out of the chocolate with a fork, allowing the excess chocolate to drip, then carefully place on a sheet of waxed paper. Sprinkle the top of the truffle with remaining crushed peppermint candy.

Allow to set. Truffles will last for a few days in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Plethora of peppermint recipes

Want more ways to use your peppermint sticks and puffs? Visit celebratethesweet.wordpress.com for more than 20 recipes using Red Bird candies, such as Peppermint Whipped Cream and Peppermint White Chocolate Cookie Pops. Sweet!